Best Easy Ambrosia Salad Recipe

Sweet ambrosia salad with marshmallows, coconut, and citrus fruit is a nostalgic, family-style Southern classic. This creamy, fruity side dish is a beloved addition to holiday tables and potlucks.

Cook 15 min Difficulty EASY 195 kcal
#vegetarian #mediterranean #diabetic friendly
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • canned mandarin oranges 15 oz
  • canned pineapple chunks 20 oz
  • mini marshmallows 2 cups
  • sweetened shredded coconut 1 cup
  • red seedless grapes 1 cup
Seasonings/Sauce
  • sour cream 1 cup
  • vanilla extract 1 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 29 g 59%
Protein 3 g 6%
Fat 8 g 35%
Serving size 140g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Drain the mandarin oranges and pineapple chunks thoroughly to eliminate excess moisture for creaminess.

  2. 2

    In a large mixing bowl, combine canned fruit, grapes, mini marshmallows, and sweetened shredded coconut.

  3. 3

    Add sour cream and vanilla extract to the bowl, gently folding the ingredients with a spatula to avoid breaking up the fruit.

  4. 4

    Cover and refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and marshmallows to soften.

  5. 5

    Before serving, gently stir the salad once more and check texture, ensuring a balanced distribution of fruit, marshmallows, and creamy dressing.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The key ingredients in Ambrosia Salad are the citrus fruits (mandarin oranges and pineapple), mini marshmallows, and sweetened shredded coconut. They provide the classic sweet-tart flavor, pillowy texture, and tropical aroma that define this nostalgic Southern salad.
Q. How should I handle moisture to prevent a runny salad?
Drain the canned mandarin oranges and pineapple chunks thoroughly before mixing. Excess liquid will make the salad watery instead of creamy. Chilling in the refrigerator also helps the marshmallows absorb some moisture, improving texture.
Q. How can I keep the fruit pieces from breaking up?
Fold the ingredients gently using a spatula after adding sour cream and vanilla extract. Avoid aggressive stirring, which can mash the fruit. The chilled resting time also helps preserve the fruit's shape and keeps the salad light and fluffy.
Q. What are the nutrition highlights of this Ambrosia Salad per serving?
Each 140g serving provides approximately 195 kcal, with 29g carbohydrates (59% kcal), 3g protein (6% kcal), and 8g fat (35% kcal). The recipe is vegetarian and meets diabetic-friendly and Mediterranean diet criteria based on its nutrition.
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